Creating your leadership brand 

Your professional identity as a leader isn’t just about titles and positions—it’s about the impression you leave on those you lead. Welcome to the idea of leadership branding, where we explore how you can shape your identity as a leader. 

What do you want to be known for? 

As a leader, have you ever wondered what your team says about you when you’re not in the room? Creating your leadership brand is about answering that question. It’s a reflection on the qualities, behaviours and values you want to be associated with. Imagine the ideal scenario where your team acknowledges your strengths, respects your approach, and appreciates your leadership style. That’s the mark we’re aiming for. 

Understanding team dynamics 

Sure, you may be familiar with leadership buzzwords like teamwork, communication, and adaptability, but what do these mean in the context of your unique team? Understanding your team’s dynamics is critical. It involves getting to know your team members individually, recognising their motivations, and understanding what makes them tick. Every individual is unique, and as a leader, your ability to adapt your style to bring out the best in each team member is a key skill. Also, looking out for your team’s wellbeing can help form high levels of trust between leaders and their team members, says the Chartered Management Institute. 

Mutual expectations and feedback 

Setting expectations is a two-way street. Yes, as a leader, you need to define your expectations of your team, but equally important is understanding what your team expects from you. This mutual understanding is the foundation of effective leadership. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels comfortable sharing feedback—both positive and constructive. Think of it as a 360-degree feedback loop where everyone contributes to the growth and success of the team. A Forbes article found that employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work. 

Encouraging your team to tell you when you’re hitting the mark and when you’re missing it, is key. It’s like fostering a culture of constant improvement through open dialogue. You can read more about feeding back effectively in our previous blog. 

Final thoughts

In the grand scheme of things, your leadership brand is a personal journey. It’s about self-reflection, understanding your team, setting clear expectations, and encouraging open communication.  

If you want to know how you can enhance your leadership brand, Cube Learning and Development delivers tailor-made training and development programmes for your teams along with personal coaching to help with modern leadership and boosting your brand. For a no-obligation chat about this and our other training, call Chris Burton on 07879 602002.